Edinburg is a city located in Hidalgo County in the Rio Grande Valley of southern Texas. With a population of over 90,000 as of 2020, Edinburg is the county seat and one of the largest cities in the Rio Grande Valley.
Population
According to the Wikipedia page for Edinburg, the city had a population of 77,100 in the 2010 census. By 2020, the estimated population had grown to 90,265 residents. Edinburg is currently the 14th most populous city in the Rio Grande Valley and serves as the county seat for Hidalgo County.
The racial makeup of Edinburg is:
- 88.2% Hispanic or Latino
- 8.6% White
- 1.5% Black or African American
- 0.4% Native American
- 0.8% Asian
- 0.1% Pacific Islander
- 1.7% Two or more races
Over 90% of Edinburg residents are native Spanish speakers. The city has a large Mexican-American community and Latino cultural influence.
Economy and Major Employers
Some of the top employers and industries in Edinburg include:
- The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley – As one of the largest universities in South Texas, UTRGV employs over 2,500 people in Edinburg.
- Edinburg Consolidated Independent School District – Employs over 3,000 people.
- Doctors Hospital at Renaissance – Regional medical center that employs over 2,000 people.
- City of Edinburg government – Employs over 1,000 people.
- Walmart – Over 1,000 employees between two Supercenter locations.
- H-E-B Grocery – Employs over 500 people.
- Agriculture – Edinburg is located in a fertile region along the Rio Grande River, with agriculture and food processing making up a significant portion of the local economy.
- Retail – Numerous retail stores and restaurants located in shopping centers and along main commercial corridors.
- Manufacturing – Some manufacturing companies have operations in Edinburg, though factories have declined in past decades.
For more information on the economy and employers in Edinburg, check out the city’s Facebook page.
Attractions and Things to Do
Some of the top attractions and things to do in Edinburg include:
- Museum of South Texas History – History and culture museum with exhibits on the region. Website
- UTRGV Athletics – Home games for the college’s sports teams, including basketball and baseball. Website
- Edinburg Scenic Wetlands – Nature area with hiking trails, bird watching, and native plants. Website
- Freddy Gonzalez Baseball Stadium – Home field for the Edinburg Roadrunners minor league baseball team and venue for concerts. Website
- Market Square – Downtown shopping and dining plaza.
- Edinburg Municipal Park – Large city park with a playground, walking trails, sports fields, and recreation center.
- La Joya Coyote Golf Course – Public 18-hole golf course.
Edinburg also hosts seasonal events like a holiday lights festival in December and the Fiesta Edinburg festival in February with food, music, crafts, carnival rides, and a parade.
Government
Edinburg has a Council-Manager form of municipal government. The city is governed by the Mayor and four City Council members who are elected to serve three-year terms. The current Mayor of Edinburg is Richard Molina.
The City Council appoints a City Manager who oversees the daily administration of city government and services. The current City Manager is Ron Garza.
Residents can learn more about Edinburg’s city government on the official website.
History
Edinburg was founded in 1908 by John Closner, William Briggs, Plutarco de la Viña, and Dennis B. Chapin. The new town was named Chapin but was renamed Edinburg the following year after the postmaster of the existing town of Edinburgh suggested it.
Edinburg became the county seat of newly formed Hidalgo County in 1908. The original courthouse was a wooden structure that was replaced by the current courthouse built in 1927.
The economy was historically based around agriculture, especially citrus fruits, cotton, and vegetables. The introduction of irrigation systems in the early 20th century helped transform the lower Rio Grande Valley into an agricultural powerhouse.
In the 1920s and 1930s, many Mexicans fled the violence and turmoil surrounding the Mexican Revolution and migrated north to the Rio Grande Valley. This influx established Edinburg as a predominantly Hispanic community.
The establishment of Pan American College, now the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, in Edinburg in 1927 contributed to the city’s growth. The school expanded access to higher education in the region.
Like many Rio Grande Valley cities, Edinburg has continued to grow in population and area in recent decades. Commercial development has expanded along main transportation corridors.
Today, Edinburg retains a strong Latino heritage while continuing to modernize as an important urban center in South Texas.